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My research focuses on the mechanisms responsible for diabetic kidney and heart complications with an emphasis on identifying novel targets as the basis for developing new treatment to reduce the burden of these complications. It is hypothesised that diabetic complications arise as a result of a number of key factors, the most important being chronic elevation of blood glucose.
I am an epidemiologist investigating: 1) the frequency, pathogenesis, risk factors and impacts of common age-related eye disease, particularly focused on the four leading causes of blindness: age-related macular degeneration, cataract, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy; 2) the potential for screening and clinical diagnostic value of retinal imaging and retinal vascular signs as predictors of major systemic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Stroke is a devastating disease causing mortality and morbidity on a massive scale, and which still has no treatment besides a clot-buster that cannot be used in 90% of patients. This research should provide a better understanding of stroke pathology and identify new therapeutic directions. It will elucidate an unappreciated but crucial role of specific immune cells in brain injury after stroke, and hopefully lead to new ways to limit brain injury and promote recovery from stroke.
Molecular Genetic Risk Factors And Mechanisms In Blinding Eye Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$631,010.00
Summary
This project aims to understand the genetic causes of blinding eye diseases. We have recently identified genetic variation that contributes to the risk of glaucoma and diabetic eye disease. We are exploring the mechanisms through which this leads to disease by looking at differences in the genes in patients with disease compared to unaffected individuals. We hope to be able to identify genes that could be the target of new therapies to prevent blindness and visual impairment in the community.
Delineating The Role Of Advanced Glycation In Diabetes And Nephropathy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$631,023.00
Summary
Type 1 diabetes affects more than 140,000 Australians and up to 40% of children and adolescents with the disease develop complications including kidney disease. Excess blood sugar as the result of diabetes can accelerate a biochemical process called advanced glycation, which permanently alters proteins affecting their structure and function, which I have previously shown as contributors to kidney damage in diabetes. Recently, however, I have discovered that this biochemical process is also invol ....Type 1 diabetes affects more than 140,000 Australians and up to 40% of children and adolescents with the disease develop complications including kidney disease. Excess blood sugar as the result of diabetes can accelerate a biochemical process called advanced glycation, which permanently alters proteins affecting their structure and function, which I have previously shown as contributors to kidney damage in diabetes. Recently, however, I have discovered that this biochemical process is also involved in the development of type 1 diabetes itself.Read moreRead less
My work focuses on the prevention of vascular disease. A major aim of mine is to improve outcome after stroke. We can test this by assessing whether individualised management plans provided to people with stroke will improve risk factors. Proper risk factor management reduces the risk of stroke recurrence. I also aim to reduce the burden of vascular disease in disadvantaged settings by finding out what risk factors are important in the development of these diseases in people living in poverty.
Growth Regulatory Transcriptional Networks And Novel Therapies In Vascular Pathobiology
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$576,760.00
Summary
Cardiovascular disease and cancer together account for the majority of all deaths. Underpinning both these conditions are cellular and molecular changes in our blood vessels. This Fellowship will enable Professor Khachigian to enhance our understanding of fundamental mechanisms regulating the pathogenesis of vascular disease, and by harnessing this new knowledge in preclinical and human trials, generate novel strategies to combat a range of diseases through strategic partnership, collaboration a ....Cardiovascular disease and cancer together account for the majority of all deaths. Underpinning both these conditions are cellular and molecular changes in our blood vessels. This Fellowship will enable Professor Khachigian to enhance our understanding of fundamental mechanisms regulating the pathogenesis of vascular disease, and by harnessing this new knowledge in preclinical and human trials, generate novel strategies to combat a range of diseases through strategic partnership, collaboration and training.Read moreRead less
A-Prof Wheatley is a respiratory and sleep disorders physician investigating the pathogenesis, health consequences and management of sleep breathing disorders, including sleep apnoea and snoring.
Oxidative Processes In Vascular Health And Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$851,980.00
Summary
The process that turns cut fruit brown when it is exposed to air is thought to cause disease of our blood vessels and heart as we age. Despite what we first thought, 'blocking' this oxidation process with antioxidant supplements does not lower heart disease. This is because oxidation not only causes harm but also is useful and essential for normal body function. Our research program aims to show which oxidative processes are needed for blood vessel health or cause vessel disease.
The mechanisms regulating expression and function of surface receptors on blood platelets are critical for understanding cardiovascular diseases involving aberrant platelet function, not only thrombotic diseases such as heart attack or stroke, but other pathology involving platelets including coagulopathy and autoimmune thrombocytopenia caused by anti-platelet antibodies. Improved diagnosis and therapeutic targeting of platelet-specific receptors mediating arterial thrombosis can save many lives ....The mechanisms regulating expression and function of surface receptors on blood platelets are critical for understanding cardiovascular diseases involving aberrant platelet function, not only thrombotic diseases such as heart attack or stroke, but other pathology involving platelets including coagulopathy and autoimmune thrombocytopenia caused by anti-platelet antibodies. Improved diagnosis and therapeutic targeting of platelet-specific receptors mediating arterial thrombosis can save many lives given the prevalence and severity of disease.Read moreRead less